Stealing Buddha's Dinner by Bich Minh NguyenMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Insightful yet even poetic metaphor and memory pervades this memoir from a shining light of a debut book. The author's recollection of life in America following feeling Vietnam features references to copious reading and it seems to have improved the author's prose powers. Aside from the writing quality the life itself is fascinating: the difficulties of individuating toward adulthood under a distant stepmom, cruel schoolmates, and the confusing temptations of American consumerism. Nguyen struggles with understanding herself and putting together an identity from her heritage and her home while unknowingly moving toward an unexpected reunion.
View all my reviews
No comments:
Post a Comment